Thoroughbred Club of America recognizes Durkin at Testimonial Dinner

Tom Durkin was the guest of honor at the Thoroughbred Club of America’s 84^th annual Testimonial Dinner on Tuesday evening at Keeneland recognizing his distinguished service to the sport of racing.

Known for being the voice of the Breeders’ Cup (1984-2005) and Triple Crown (2001-11), Durkin called races for 43 years before retiring in 2014. Hired by NYRA in 1990 to call Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga, Durkin also counted Gulfstream Park, Hialeah and Meadowlands among venues.

He estimates calling more than 80,000 horse races -- Quarter Horse, Standardbred and Thoroughbred – during his esteemed career, more than half coming at NYRA tracks.

“One of the luckiest SOBs on Earth,” Durkin said of his success.

More on the Durkin Testimonial Dinner is available through the link to Brisnet.com.

Durkin’s memorable calls included:

2009 Woodward Stakes – “Rachel won! She is indeed, Rachel Alexandra the Great!”

2001 Breeders’ Cup Classic – “Tiznow wins it for America!”